Technology

The technology utilization plan for the Harris-Lake Park Schools will lay the foundation to provide for the effective and efficient incorporation of technology into their school programs.

Harris-Lake Park Schools have an obligation to prepare those they serve to live productively within society. The growing impact of technology on society, places schools in a situation in which they must address technology in order to adequately prepare students for the future.

New technology has promoted change throughout all segments of society. The American society is moving out of the 'Industrial Age' and into the 'Age of Information'. This movement has been caused, in large part, by the development of more powerful, versatile and sophisticated technology. Along with this increased sophistication, technology has become less expensive; allowing it to find its way into the homes and lives of Americans young and old.

A partial school response to this societal change must be the incorporation of technology into its educational programs. Technologies are to be viewed as tools and resources to be utilized in the improvement of educational programs and learning opportunities. By using technologies in such a manner, schools will be able to:

The end result will be the improvement of learning opportunities and the quality of life for students and communities served by the consortium.

It must always be remembered that as a resource and tool in the educational process, technology will "embrace" those in education, not "replace" them. To that end, as technologies are examined for incorporation into the educational system of Harris-Lake Park Schools there will always be a commitment to assist professionals and others involved in the educational process; helping them to understand and incorporate technologies into their work. Effective incorporation will take place through the involvement of those impacted in the planning process and through the provision of an on-going in-service training program.

Students graduating from school need basic preparation for entering into a society where technology will abound. In like fashion, adults already in the workplace need to be informed, understand, and have working knowledge, of technology as it relates to and impacts their lives. Harris-Lake Park Schools has an obligation to broaden the intellectual understanding of students and others in the communities it serves. It is committed to assisting them in learning how to manage, access, and utilize information made available through technology.

Commitment to technology is a commitment of time, people and dollars. The commitment of these resources by Harris-Lake Park Schools shall be a strong commitment, sustained over a period of time. Such a commitment shall serve as the foundation for success.

Seven Dimensions for Gauging Progress

Asking the Right Questions

1. LEARNERS: Are students using technology in ways that deepen their understanding of academic content and advance their knowledge of the world around them?

2. LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: Is the learning environment designed to achieve high academic performance by students?

3. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY: Are educators fluent with technology and do they effectively use technology to the learning advantage of students?

4. SYSTEM CAPACITY: Is the entire education system re-engineering itself to meet the needs of students in this knowledge-based, global society?

5. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Is the school-community relationship one of trust and respect, and is this translating into beneficial, sustainable partnerships in learning technology?

6. TECHNOLOGY CAPACITY: Are there adequate technologies, networks, electronic resources and support to reach the education system's learning goals?

7. ACCOUNTABILITY: Is there agreement on what success with technology looks ike? Are there measures in place to track progress and report results?

H-LP DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal: Technologies will be made available to all students in the district on an equal basis. Based upon school district goals, priorities and budgetary constraints, the school will provide budget monies for technology utilization across the curriculum.

Goal: The school district will provide an on-going program of in-service in the use of technology. The school district expects technological competence from all staff. The district will administer a pre and post-skills inventory survey to the staff.

Goal: The community will be informed on progress in developing and implementing technology. A minimum of one news release and one article in the school produced newsletter will address the schools involvement with technology.

Goal: All students graduating from Harris-Lake Park will have the opportunity to master concepts of computer technology. Classes shall provide learning opportunities such as keyboarding, word processing, graphics, video editing, and multi-media presentations, accessing the internet, computer literacy and computer programming.

Goal: New technology will be utilized to meet the needs of special education and gifted students. Advanced concept programs will be made available to students on an independent study basis. The special education areas are equipped with integrated learning systems on computers. The curriculum may be enriched for the gifted and talented student, or individualized for the special student.Goal: The Harris-Lake Park Schools will utilize the telecommunication system, worldwide web, and the ICN classroom to expand curriculum opportunities for both students and the general community.

Goal: To explore, develop, and implement current and future technologies.

As new technologies emerge in the future, Harris-Lake Park students and staff will be provided educational and training opportunities on new state-of-the-art hardware and software.

TECHNOLOGY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: GRADES K-5

Goal: The students will be able to name parts of the computer.

Goal: Students will be able to work individually or with a partner on the computer.

Goal: Students will be able to utilize software encompassing all academic areas including problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills.

Goal: Students will utilize the Accelerated Reader Program.

Goal: Students will learn proper usage of word processing.

Goal: Students will be introduced to electronic mail and the internet.

Goal: Students will learn about online safety, cyberbullying, and netequitte.

TECHNOLOGY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: GRADES 6-8

Goal: Students shall successfully learn basic keyboarding skills.

Goal: Students shall learn basic word processing and data management.

Goal: Students will be able to complete assignments using word processing.

Goal: Students will be introduced to a variety of multi-media applications. These applications are: CD-Rom, PowerPoint, Internet, Video-editing, Digital photography, and spreadsheets.

Goal: Students will use the computerized library catalog.

Goal: Students will use the Accelerated Reader Program as part of their English requirements.

Goal: Students will learn how to send and receive electronic mail.

Goal: Students will be introduced to careers in technology through computer modules.

Goal: Students will learn about online safety, cyberbullying, and netequitte.

TECHNOLOGY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: GRADES 9-12

Goal: Students will have the skills to successfully complete a word processing application as assigned.

Goal: Students will show proficiency with presentations that include multi-media applications as assigned.

Goal: Students will be able to complete research tasks using the Internet as assigned.

Goal: Students will be skilled in the applications of technology to perform real-life tasks.

Goal: Students will be introduced communication skills such as radio broadcasting, video-editing, and electronic mail.

Goal: Students will be able to develop and maintain data-bases.

Goal: Develop articulation with community colleges in the area of network technologies.

Goal: Require all students to pass an introductory computer applications course for graduation.

Goal: Students will learn about online safety, cyberbullying, and netequitte.

OVERVIEW OF DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

The buildings are networked. Students will have their own folder on the system and will be able to access the information on the file server anywhere in the building. Teachers have their lesson plans on the system and students will be able to e-mail assignments or know their assignments if they are home ill, by accessing the system.